Why is it that every time that I turn around some thing else costs more than it did the day before? I remember a time not to long ago when the phone companies were in a heated rush to see who could offer their customers the lowest rates not just on phone calls but on Internet services.

Now it seems as if the opposite is true! Now they race to increase them!

In an earlier blog post I outlined the rate increase that has been implemented by Flow that would affect a wide variety of their customers. You can read that article by clicking this link: http://gleanerblogs.com/iconsumer/?p=4410.

It seems that Digicel has followed suit with an increase of its own.

Increased Rates

Now I understand that the main aim of any business is to make a profit but these rate increases really hit consumers hard.

According to information published on their website, in an open letter to their customers, Digicel asserts that in order to provide their customers with ”the highest quality in communication and entertainment’ they will be increasing their rates as of April 1, 2018. These increased rates refer to those who subscribe to Digicel Home Entertainment service.

Digicel Home Entertainment consists of movie channels and Internet packages. Customers of those services will now have to pay more to access the service. How much more? Well a quick check reveals that in some cases consumers will pay up to $600 more than previous bills.

The complete listing of their new pricing structure can be found on their website https://www.digicelgroup.com/jm/en/home/price-increase-.html.

Rate Increase

Consider a customer who had previously paid $2500 for Broadband Internet services on the Play 10 package, they will now have to find $599 more to pay for the same service. Whereas customers who previously paid $6899 for their cable service on the Play Large plan will now have to pay $600 more.

Not all services have been increased however as customers who have purchased Premium packages will pay the same for a few channels such as Business and News, Fox movies and a few others. The channels that have attracted hiked fees are Kids + and some Adult channels.

Worth the Cost?

Although I don’t personally use the service, I asked a few friends who do and while they are satisfied with the quality of the service they are not so happy with paying more for it.

In these financially rough times, do you think customers should be facing increased rates?

I want to start a new movement, “No More Increases!” Do you think it will catch on? Let me hear from you! Drop a line below.

The opinions on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of The Gleaner.
The Gleaner reserves the right not to publish comments that may be deemed libelous, derogatory or indecent.
To respond to The Gleaner please use the feedback form.

WE NEED TO GET RID OF THESE TWO TELEPHONE COMPANIES AND OR GO BACK TO GCDMA AND NO LONGER USE GSM

SINCE THE INTRODUCTION OF GSM I HAVE FOUND THAT THE AVERAGE CUSTOMER IS MORE DISTRESSED AND LIVES ARE MORE AT RISK DUE TO THE NEED FOR EXPENSIVE PHONES THAT WORK MORE EFFICIENTLY THAN THOSE THAT THE COMMON PERSON CAN AFFORD.

I recently called Flow about their increased, which I was not notified about, and the customer care representative blatantly told me that they, Flow, are expanding their business hence the increase. Smh